Liverpool star can play defensive England role - Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers believes Steven Gerrard could replicate his club form for England at the World Cup in his new deeper role.

The Liverpool and England captain has played as a holding midfielder for much of the season, proving successful in his new role.

"Everyone knows Steve's qualities, but it would be good for Roy to see him in that single pivot role," Rodgers told the BBC. "He has amazed me with the quality he has played in it so quickly."

The Liverpool manager believes the transition between roles has been seamless, which shows the quality of the player.

"When he was playing as the number 10 or advanced midfielder his movement was incredible - he had the movement of a striker in the box.

"So to flip that and become a playmaker in the other half of the field shows the tactical intelligence he has and how he has a lot to offer."

Despite dropping deeper, the Reds' skipper has still managed six Premier League goals (two penalties) and eight assists, impressive for someone who's spent more time on the edge of his own box, than the opposition's this season.

Gerrard has been playing the defensive midfield position due to Lucas Leiva's injury problems, but also because of the flourishing form of Jordan Henderson in the centre of midfield with him.

Henderson has started all 25 of Liverpool's Premier League games this season and acts as the buffer between Gerrard and the front four. The 23-year-old has finally begun to rediscover the form that earned him his £16m move from Sunderland.

Rodgers has been just as impressed with Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, two more England internationals, who based on recent form, should both be on the plane to Brazil this summer.

"Jordan Henderson has shown his tactical development, maturity and leadership qualities while Raheem Sterling, for a kid of 19 to be playing at the level he is, with invention, speed and scoring a couple of goals in a big game, has been absolutely outstanding.

"Sturridge speaks for himself, he'll get goals. His transformation from being a Chelsea reserve player to being what I consider to be the number nine for England for a World Cup is a good signal for, especially young British players, that if you come to Liverpool you will get your opportunity if your focus is right."

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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